VALENTINE'S Day was extra special for rookie policewoman Rachel Daley.

Throughout years of battling cancer she dreamed of joining the force - and today she was being measured up for her first uniform.

And along the way, Rachel copped a husband - bobby Trevor Eaton. Rachel, 20, who is completing her 15-week police training, endured three years of chemotherapy, steroid treatment and blood transfusions.

Her fighting spirit won her the Manchester Evening News Laura Davies Bravery Award in 1994 - and Trevor's heart. They met and fell in love four years ago at Collyhurst police station when Rachel was a clerk.

Now the couple have just returned from honeymoon in Mexico and set up home in Droylsden. ''I've wanted to join the police ever since being diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 10,'' said Rachel.

Trevor said: ''Rachel fights everything. Whatever comes up, she tackles it head on - and usually wins! She's done a lot of work to get into the police and I'm very proud of her.''